U20 World Cup: Serbia beat Mali, ensure Africa doesn't make final

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There will be no African team in the final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup after all two of the continents reps fumbled on Wednesday.

Mali will have to settle for a fight for bronze after losing 2-1 to Serbia in their semi-final clash in Auckland.

Andrija Zivkovic gave the Serbians the lead after just four minutes, but the Malians battled back to level proceedings through Youssouf Kone six minutes from the break.

Kone was shockingly churlish in his reactions on the day, however, which led to a red card after two separate cautions. He looked to have pushed referee Mauro Vigliano six minutes from time and was sent off.

Mali coach Fanyeri Darra said after the game: "Until the end of the game we believed in our strength to win, but ... the inexperience of our players was the main point in our defeat."

Ivan Saponjic gave the Europeans the winner in the 101st minute, booking a final with Brazil.

It was the second time Mali and Serbia were meeting in the competition and the largely impressive Malians failed to avenge their 2-0 group stage loss.

They will now meet West African neighbours Senegal, who lost 5-0 to Brazil also on Wednesday, in the third-place match.

This will be the first time in the competition's history that two African teams will play a bronze medal.

Follow Gary on Twitter: @garyalsmith

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